The points test decides who can be invited for Australia's three points-tested skilled visas: the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491). The pass mark is 65 points. You claim points in your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, mostly as they stand at the time of invitation, and you must later prove every claim with evidence.
Why 65 Points Is Rarely Enough
Sixty-five points is the minimum to submit an EOI. Invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants in each occupation, so the real cut-off depends on your occupation and on how many places are available in each round. For popular occupations it has often been well above 65. A state nominating you for a 190 or 491 also sets its own expectations.
The Full Points Table
Age (at the time of invitation)
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to 24 | 25 |
| 25 to 32 | 30 |
| 33 to 39 | 25 |
| 40 to 44 | 15 |
You must be under 45 when invited.
English language
| Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English (minimum) | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Skilled employment (in the 10 years before invitation)
| Overseas employment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 5 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
| Australian employment | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1 to less than 3 years | 5 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 10 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
Overseas and Australian employment together are capped at 20 points. Work only counts if it was in your nominated or a closely related occupation, for at least 20 hours a week, and (in Australia) while you held a visa that allowed it.
Educational qualifications (highest qualification only)
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (Australian, or overseas of a recognised standard) | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher (Australian, or overseas of a recognised standard) | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Qualification recognised by your assessing authority for your occupation | 10 |
Other points
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Specialist education: an Australian research master's or doctorate in a STEM or specified ICT field, with at least 2 academic years of study | 10 |
| Australian study requirement: at least 1 Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification meeting the study requirement | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia (accounting, ICT or engineering, completed in the 4 years before invitation) | 5 |
| Credentialled community language (NAATI) | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
Partner
| Situation | Points |
|---|---|
| Your partner is also applying and is under 45, has Competent English and a suitable skills assessment in an occupation on the same list | 10 |
| Your partner is also applying and has Competent English | 5 |
| You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
Nomination or sponsorship
| Visa | Points |
|---|---|
| 190: nominated by a state or territory government | 5 |
| 491: nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative | 15 |
| 189: no nomination | 0 |
Worked Example
A 29-year-old accountant (30 points) with Proficient English (10), an overseas bachelor's degree recognised by their assessing authority (15) and 5 years' overseas work experience (10) scores 65 points: enough for an EOI, but probably not for a 189 invitation. Getting Superior English (+10), state nomination for a 491 (+15), or a Professional Year in Australia (+5) can make a large difference.
Common Mistakes
- Claiming work experience your skills assessment doesn't recognise. Assessing bodies often deduct the first years after graduation.
- Letting your English test or skills assessment expire before an invitation.
- Turning 45 or moving out of an age bracket while waiting. Points are generally assessed at invitation.
- Overclaiming. Claiming points you can't prove can lead to refusal and a ban on further visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for the Australian points test?
65 points. It is the minimum to submit an EOI, but invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants in each occupation.
Does state nomination add points?
Yes. Nomination for a 190 adds 5 points, and nomination or eligible-relative sponsorship for a 491 adds 15.
When are my points assessed?
At the time of invitation for most factors. Your invitation states the score you must prove when you lodge.
Is there an official points calculator?
Yes. Home Affairs publishes a points calculator. It only estimates. Your evidence decides the final score.
Get Your Points Checked
The difference between an invitation and a long wait is often 5 or 10 points, and an incorrect claim can lead to refusal. A registered migration agent can check your claims against your evidence. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Points table for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Department of Home Affairs.